More About Lifting the Dispensation

03-25-2021NewsFr. John Sims Baker

I think that most of you have already heard about Bishop Spalding's decision to lift the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation as of Palm Sunday. I want to address how we at Saint Rose are going to adapt to returning to the regular practice of the Church.

First, our plans are designed to accommodate everyone who comes to Mass while keeping prudent precautions in place. The major change will be that there will no longer be pews blocked off in the larger middle sections of the church. The faithful will be asked to practice social distancing according to their judgment in these sections.

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Holy Week and Easter This Year; Lifting of Dispensation

03-21-2021Weekly ReflectionFr. John Sims Baker

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER THIS YEAR

After the sad Holy Week and Easter last year with liturgical celebrations without the faithful present, I am very happy that we will once again have public celebrations of these holy days. Although there will still be some alterations in the liturgies and our attendance will be limited, we will be celebrating together as a parish.

Here are some notes on the schedule and changes for this year: Palm Sunday -- We will not be having a procession but will distribute and bless palms at the beginning of every Mass for Palm Sunday. Livestream will be provided as on a regular Sunday.

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Lifting of Dispensation

03-18-2021News

As of Palm Sunday, Bishop Spalding is lifting the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. This is a return to the normal situation of the Church regarding attendance at Mass. I want to get this word to you as soon as possible, even though we will be working out the practical implications here at Saint Rose in the days to come.

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Pandemic Precautions

03-14-2021Weekly ReflectionFr. John Sims Baker

At Saint Rose, we have followed the guidance of the diocese about precautions regarding COVID. We continue to do so. Civil governmental entities such as Rutherford County, for example, are reconsidering mask mandates and other precautions in public spaces. We will take note of what civil authorities are requiring, but we will continue to make decisions on our circumstances.

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Many Blessings!

03-07-2021Weekly ReflectionFr. John Sims Baker

Even though we continue through the challenges of a pandemic, we are blessed at Saint Rose in so many ways. Last weekend, our First Communion classes celebrated the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation for the first time. It took several priests all morning to hear the confessions! This weekend, Bishop Spalding will confer the Sacrament of Confirmation on over 100 candidates from our parish. These are exciting times for celebrating the sacraments at Saint Rose!

If we have a problem, it is that we are running out of room at most of our Masses! Please be sure to sign up for Mass. And thank you for your understanding if you need to attend Mass in the gym. We are trying our best!

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